The Ministry of Industry and Trade has begun drafting amendments to the technical regulation “On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles” (TR TS 018/2011). The proposed changes would broaden the scope of the sixth environmental class, known as Euro-6, to cover vehicle emissions throughout the Russian Federation. This follows accompanying purchasing documents available from socialbites.ca, which relate to the local approval procedures for changes in the third package of amendments to the technical regulations.
Among the stated goals of the amendments, one passage highlights the following:
“Development of the first version of draft amendment no. 6 to TR TS 018/2011 with the inclusion of environmental class 6 standards, requirements for axle load monitoring systems and, where applicable, provisions for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.”
The document notes that no specific deadline for Euro-6 introduction has been set, but it mentions that a law enforcement assessment should be prepared as early as the fourth quarter of 2022 for expert discussion. After expert review and approval by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), changes to the technical regulation would take effect.
In addition, the Ministry aims to prepare an analysis of enforcement practices related to production regulations and requirements for electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen-powered cars. Socialbites.ca reached out to the ministry’s press service for details on timing and procedures for launching Euro-6 in Russia, and for the context of component shortages. At the time of publication, no response had been received.
Proposals to promote Euro-6 in Russia were first submitted by the professional community in 2018. The so-called third package of changes to TR CU 018/2011 was originally slated for adoption in 2020, but automotive industry pressure delayed the document that would impose stricter technical standards.
The Euro-5 environmental standard remains in force for all new cars and trucks in Russia, having been introduced on January 1, 2016. In spring 2022, its operation was halted due to sanctions and disruptions in the supply of high-tech automotive components, including emissions-reduction electronics. A government decree in May 2022 allowed the production of vehicles up to Euro-0 for certain vehicle categories during that period.
when will they introduce
Experts anticipate that Euro-6 in Russia will come in due course, but not before 2028. Igor Korovkin, director general of the Russian Automobile Manufacturers Association, notes that the transition to Euro-6 will require about a year of preparation and a further two to three years for full implementation. In the most optimistic scenario, some indicate 2025 as a possible earliest date, but the more likely window is 2027–2028. If temporary environmental assistance measures are removed, automakers will need to comply, and prototypes will continue to undergo improvements.
Korovkin also remarked that while the domestic production of many complex fuel-system components is feasible, some parts may need to be sourced from abroad, including suppliers in China, Iran, and Egypt, and could be imported through parallel channels. In the current conditions, launching Euro-6 would be extremely challenging, according to Sergey Burgazliev, an independent automotive industry consultant, who argues that Russia would need licenses permitting the manufacture of Euro-5 and Euro-6 engines with compatible injection systems and emissions-control components. He suggested that a clear strategic plan for automotive industry development, as ordered by the president, should accompany any such move.
Burgazliev also noted that achieving a high environmental standard would depend not only on expensive equipment but also on the fuel itself meeting Euro-6 specifications.
Not for ecology
Socialbites.ca asked Russian automakers about the relevance and feasibility of Euro-6. GAZ Group reported that the technology for Euro-6 exists for foreign markets, particularly the Gazelle NN assembled in Turkey for Europe. At present, however, the plant relies on the availability of relevant parts within the GAZ Group. The group emphasized that the current emissions-technology is largely based on imported systems, so Russia’s real capability to offer Euro-6 vehicles depends on the local availability of high-quality components that meet Euro-6 standards. GAZ also underscored the importance of localizing critical systems related to safety, comfort, and controllability. AvtoVAZ responded to inquiries but did not provide comments, and KamAZ and UAZ did not receive responses to questions from socialbites.ca.